Collage of photos from AM of DIG. — DIG has a new board following the AM 2026. Some of them, from left, Kyrre Stensnes (Norwegian Tax Administration), Helge Thorbjørnsen (NHH/Rector), Dagfinn Myhre (Telenor) and Kim Wikan Barth (Gjensidige), during the AM at NHH Connect in Bergen, with head of DIG, Bram Timmermans (standing). Rune Skjelvan of KPMG ended his term as chair of the board, but will still serve as a member. (Photos: Arent Kragh)

24 August 2026 10:57

- A place to share important insights

DIG has become more than a research centre, it is a place to share important insights, according to outgoing chair of the board, Rune Skjelvan at DIG Annual Meeting 2026.

The board of DIG for the term 2026-2027:

Chair: Helge Thorbjørnsen, NHH

Member and Deputy chair: Geir Mikalsen, NHH

Member: Rune Skjelvan, KPMG

Member: Kim Wikan Barth, Gjensidige

Member: Kari Østerud, Centre for Extended Working Life

Member: Kyrre Stensnes, The Norwegian Tax Administration

Member: Dagfinn Myhre, Telenor

Skjelvan shared his thoughts as his two years term as chair of the board was concluded. During his tenure he cited several business leaders who had shared concerns over the need for innovation in Norwegian industries as they move “beyond oil”. How to make investing in AI profitable, and the role of corporations in building security and resilience.

- This is why DIG is relevant, Rune Skjelvan of KPMG concluded.

Rector of NHH new chair of DIG

The Rector of NHH, Helge Thorbjørnsen, was elected as the new Chair of the Board of DIG. He thanked outgoing Chair Rune Skjelvan for his dedicated leadership and highlighted DIG's importance to NHH's strategic ambitions.

- As NHH implements its new strategy, having the Rector serve as Chair will help strengthen the connection between DIG's activities and the School's priorities. Looking one year ahead, however, it will again be appropriate for the Chair to come from one of DIG's industry partners, reflecting the strong collaboration between academia and industry that is central to DIG, said Thorbjørnsen.

The Annual Meeting also approved the election of Kari Østerud, of the Centre for Extended Working Life and Kyrre Stensnes from The Norwegian Tax Administration as new members on the board.

Security and resilience - the new priority for DIG

Vice Rector Kurt Brekke presenting the outline of a proposed research centre for security and resilience. Photo: Arent Kragh

NHH have already launched a research initiative in security and resilience. DIG will be central to the initiative. DIG and NHH cooperate with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (“FFI”), Statistics Norway as well as the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), and have submitted a joint, preliminary application for research centre status for security and resilience.

The Norwegian Research Council will grant NOK 500 mill over five years, to a maximum of nine research centres. NHH is applying to be one of these centres.

DIG is key to “dual use” and cooperation

Vice Rector at NHH, Kurt Brekke presented the outline of the new research centre to the meeting and participants at a workshop following the annual meeting.

Economic science may not fire a single shot, but it can make those in the armed forces aim better.

Kurt Brekke

- The aim is to create a hub for interaction between military forces, industry, government and research, Brekke said.

Dual civilian and military use is a key criterion for the research efforts. DIG has connections to business and industry making it ideally placed to ensure that dual use remains a priority at such a research centre, according to Kurt Brekke.

- Economic science may not fire a single shot, but it can make those in the armed forces aim better, he concluded.